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October 2010
A Look at the November 2010 General Election
As we look
toward the 2010 election season, there are some obvious and not so
obvious trends that will serve as indicators for what results the
upcoming elections will bring.
Since
the economic downturn over a year ago, government has played an increasingly
central role in the economy through the structure of programs,
funding, regulation, policy and even the direct involvement in
companies and industries. The last round of elections exhibited
clear signs of the voters' fear and concern over the growing
government role in the economy. Clearly, consumer frustration
and lack of trust continues to mount.
This
trust between business and citizens has suffered a precipitous drop
since the economic crisis in late 2008. As company executives
look to improve their standing with consumers, they also need to
consider their role and relationship with government. When it
comes to providing services as well as understanding the regulatory
and oversight of commerce and industry, executives who run successful
companies realize the importance of having a proactive partnership
with government.
November's
elections will have significant impact on the future of the state of
Indiana. The primary battlefield is the Indiana House of
Representatives where the Democrats currently hold a 52-48
advantage. Whichever party wins control of the House this
November will control redistricting after the 2010 decennial census
and will create the legislative maps for the next five election
cycles. The high stakes of these races have drawn millions of
dollars from each side. Moreover, given the difficult economic
times, the already difficult budget cycle could be significantly
impacted by the outcome of these races.
In Federal races, there are three
districts at play that have drawn a great deal of national attention
in the 2nd, 8th and 9th Congressional
Districts. Each of these seats is currently held by a Democrat,
but each has strong challenges being offered by the Republican in the
race. Likewise, in the U.S. Senate, the race between Dan Coats, the
Republican, and Brad Ellsworth, the Democrat, involves a race that is
widely viewed as a potential Republican pick-up. Finally, the
statewide races of Secretary of State, State Treasurer and State
Auditor are on the ballot along with 25 Indiana Senate
seats.
These races will create both an
impact on and consideration of the importance of understanding and
navigating the intersection of policy, governance and elections.
Read
a summary
of the contests in this upcoming November General Election.
After the elections, watch for a preview of upcoming
legislative concerns and initiatives.
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